New West Sussex firefighters take on challenge in aid of charity

To prove they are 'more than ready for life as a firefighter', the 12 recruits wore sets of breathing apparatus continually from 5pm on Thursday (November 14) until 5pm yesterday (Friday, November 15)

A fire service spokesman said: "Ahead of the challenge all the team underwent extensive training on the safe use of breathing apparatus to make sure they were fit and ready to take on the challenge.

"Working in teams of two, the recruits powered through the night on minimal sleep, before heading out to meet residents during the day on Friday to raise money for the three charities they are supporting: The Fire Fighters Charity, the Air Ambulance, Kent, Surrey & Sussex, and Macmillan."

The fundraiser comes as the recruits mark their 11th week into their 13-week initial training course, which will see them 'deployed to a number of different stations around the county upon completion'.

Jack Davis, one of the new recruits, said: “It’s actually quite strenuous when you’re on air, especially when you’re doing a physical activity, it can be very demanding.

"But completing a challenge like this means that we build up that familiarity with the equipment so that when we are faced with an emergency situation, we will feel totally at ease.”

Fellow recruit Faye Casburn said the realisation of becoming a firefighter is 'very daunting but extremely exciting'.